His absence along with that of skipper Michael Dawson has left the north London side struggling at the back, with Younes Kaboul only able to play one game a week and Jan Vertonghen the only other fit centre-half.

Chiriches' last game was on January 29 against Manchester City, which Manuel Pellegrini's side won 5-1.

But he will hand boss Tim Sherwood a welcome boost when Spurs U21s face their north London rivals at White Hart Lane this evening.

And while Sunday's match against Liverpool will come too soon, the defender is set to return to Sherwood's squad for the Sunderland match a week on Sunday.